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EMT classes - learn to save a life

By Catherine Stollak :: The Weekly Record

Saving lives is the focus of the latest course sponsored through the Shrewsbury School Department. Linda J. Frissora - Gosselin, Emergency Medical Systems Coordinator for the town of Shrewsbury, is teaching a new group of students how to become Emergency Medical Technicians.

The classes are held twice a year, starting in September and January. At the end of the 110 hour course, passing students are eligible to take the state board exam to become certified EMT's. Topics that Professor Gosselin covers include treating urgent medical conditions that might be found with allergic reactions, diabetes, substance abuse, and obstetrics emergencies. Students also learn about extricating victims from emergency situations. The classes involve lectures as well as practical application.

There are many reasons why the students are taking the class. Some students are on their way to becoming medical professionals. Other students are hoping to get jobs as policemen or firefighters, and many local towns require that they be EMT certified. Jeannette Kiely of Shrewsbury is taking it for personal growth. She has four children ranging from age nine to three months, and wants to be prepared for any situation that arises.

"I think it will help me be a better parent in an emergency situation," Kiely said.

Once the students become certified EMT's, they go on to do many different things, Professor Gosselin said. Many work aboard ambulances or volunteer at town athletic events. Some also work in the critical care or emergency departments of local hospitals.

There is a difference between EMT and First Aid training Gosselin said. The class covers topics included in basic first aid up to the level of advanced life support. EMT's are allowed to give minimal medication in the field and are also trained to use equipment such as defibrillators.

When an actual emergency arises, there is a procedural order of people involved, Frissora - Gosselin explained. Some one calls 911 to report an emergency situation, and then the 911 dispatcher notifies EMT's. The EMT's make the decision of whether or not the situation is life threatening or not and can then call in the advanced life support team paramedics.

"I explain it like a pyramid," Frissora - Gosselin said. "The person at the top, in this case the paramedics or hospital emergency physician, has an important job to do but 'he's nobody without the building blocks on the bottom. Without the others he can't do his job."

The job of being an EMT is very rewarding Gosselin said. The majority of people who attend the class are caregivers who genuinely want to make a difference in a persons quality of life. Being able to deliver babies is one of the most wonderful things in the world, Gosselin added.

It is also a very high stress job, however. Gosselin has seen people decide not to continue because of the stress, but they often come back to recertify. This is a job where other people depend on the professionals, and EMT's are always faced with the prospect of losing a patient.

"It takes a great deal out of a person" Gosselin said. "It really cuts at the heart."

Anyone can become an EMT Gosselin said. The classes are for people 18 and over and are open to the general public

"If you have the right training and the right tools, you can make a difference," Frissora - Gosselin said.